Blades close the book on 2014-2015 season
After 72 games, thousands of kilometres on the bus, more highlight reel goals than one can keep track of, and a huge step in the right direction for a young team, the 2014-2015 Blades season officially came to a close, as the players did their final exit interviews and testing, and cleaned out their lockers.
“It’s always a sad day,” said Josh Uhrich. “You’re going home for the summer, saying goodbye to all the boys.”
The players sat down to talk about the season with management, and did some final testing in the gym – including measuring in, and some serious cardio on a bike that featured weights hanging from the front – which power winger Ryan Graham rode so hard he temporarily broke it.
“That bike, my goodness,” said Nick Zajac, who struggled for breathe when he finished. “I’m in good shape, and I’m winded. A good way to wrap up the year, see how you compare to the beginning of the season.”
Two players that didn’t have to take part – Brett Stovin and Sam McKechnie. The 20 year olds just wrapped up their WHL careers, so they no longer have to go through the grinder that returning players do.
“I don’t miss doing that!” said McKechnie with a laugh. “I did it enough over the past five years, let the young boys like Braider [Chasetan Braid] and Higsy [Schael Higson] do it now.”
Stovin and McKechnie were kept busy though – exit interviews with the media, signing hockey cards, and taking photos with their teammates.
“Those two, I’ll miss them so much,” added Zajac. “I grew up here playing with Brett. He’s just a perfect leader, captain and teammate. You couldn’t ask for a better career here. He taught us so much, and I hope I can do him proud next year, when I’m a 20 year old, trying to lead like he did.”
“It’s been a great run,” said Stovin. “Cleaning out the locker room, saying my goodbyes, it’s tough. I’ll miss the coaches, the boys so much. It’s been an amazing career, and I’ll always treasure my time here with the Blades.”
The day also featured some gifts from the Booster Club – homemade scrap books for each of the players.
“Wow, that’s all I have to say,” said a smiling Nolan Reid after receiving his. “It’s nice to look back at this, see what happened the whole year. The work that went in is impressive.”
Bailey Urick of the Saskatoon Blades Booster Club was the one behind the Reid book.
“I enjoyed making it. It’s the second one I’ve done. I’m glad Nolan enjoyed it, because it was a lot of fun to do. A lot of work! But worth it in the end.”
Now the players head home for the offseason. For some, it’s right here in Saskatchewan. For others, like Zajac, it’s back to Winnipeg.
“I’ll take a little bit of time off now, recover from the season. Then I’ll get back to it. You always have to be working, preparing for next season. I gotta stay sharp.”
When asked if he’ll take the time to indulge in his favourite snack, Cool Ranch Doritos?
“Man, you know I love those Cool Ranch! I may have to enjoy a bag or two…or three or four. But after THAT, you know it’s gym time!”
While the boys plan to enjoy their time off, they do plan to work hard.
“One week, tops,” said Josh Uhrich, on how long he plans to relax after leaving the rink. “I know I need to work on my skating, my strength. With Stovin and Sammy going, I’ll have to step up, score some goals, help lead this young team. I’m ready to work.”
And while the Blades are young, they have big expectations for next season. Two of the young players ready to take on bigger roles are Cameron Hebig and Wyatt Sloboshan, Blades centres who are born and raised in Saskatoon.
“To be honest, we’re ready to take the next step,” said Sloboshan, the Blades Rookie of the Year. “This year we took our lumps, learned to play as a team. Next year, I want to be over .500, and I want to be in the playoffs. I don’t want to lose, and no-one on this team wants to lose. It’s time to win.”
“We’re ready,” added Hebig. “Every guy here needs to go home this summer, work hard at whatever it is he needs work on in his game, and get ready for next season. The guys that were rookies this year are going to be relied upon next year to carry the load. We’re ready to take that next step.”
